Profit maximization should be one of the fundamental goals of any business operation. However, that is not always easy for farmers and maximizing yield often becomes the decision of choice. During times of low commodity prices this necessitates determining what inputs could be reduced while still achieving high yielding production. While crop prices can increase, so too can input costs. In particular, fertilizer can greatly help yield production but when fertilizer prices increase it can have a major impact on the management decisions necessary to maintain profitability.

During a time of rising fertilizer prices, growers are having to revisit their fertilizer strategies for crops like corn and cotton. Previous research on corn by Audrey Gamble with Auburn University has provided a distinct yield response curve to variable nitrogen (N) rates under different soil types in Alabama. Notably, higher N rates do not always equate to higher yield potential. Even more important to note is that N rates to achieve maximum yield are not always going to result in the highest net return.

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Agricultural producers have been facing increasing input costs, including higher fertilizer and gas prices. Supply and distribution issues have contributed to these increasing costs in addition to higher inflation rates across the nation. Further complicating these rising costs are labor issues that have long been a concern in specialty crop production. Fruit and vegetable prices at the farm gate are predicted to increase 12.5% to 15.5% and 6% to 9%, respectively, in 2022 (USDA, ERS, Food Price Outlook, 2022). In an environment of increasing input costs and increasing market prices, it can be challenging to control costs, determine how much to pass along to consumers, and figure out how to price products.

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Season 2, Episode 4: Row Crop Market Update: On this episode of the Alabama Crops Report, hosts Amanda Scherer and Adam Rabinowitz talk with Wendiam Sawadago, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System economist. Sawadago gives an update on how the row crop market is looking and what farmers may expect for the upcoming season.

LISTEN HERE

As the signs of spring appear, calls and questions regarding forage weed control are on the rise. In untreated pastures and hayfields, there are likely dozens of cool season broadleaf and grass weed species that blanket the landscape. One of the most high-profile broadleaf weeds in this mix is buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), a species that turns fields into a sea of yellow blooms by mid- to late-spring. 

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The two most difficult tank mix partners I get complaints about are Reflex (fomesafen) + Gramoxone in cotton and Atrazine + Halex GT (mesotrione + s-metolachlor + glyphosate) in corn. These are unique tank mixes where our general mixing order doesn’t work. Many a grower has had to spend valuable time cleaning out their sprayers due to these combinations not properly mixing. Proper mixing procedures for these combinations can eliminate most of the problems.

Proper mixing order for Reflex and Gramoxone:
     1. Add ½ of the required amount of clean water into spray tank
     2. Start up and maintain tank agitation
     3. Add NIS
     4. Add Reflex
     5. Add Gramoxone
     6. Add remaining amount of clean water

Proper mixing order for Atrazine and Halex GT:
     1. Add ½ of the required amount of clean water into spray tank and start/maintain agitation
     2. Add AMS (only if water quality sample indicates need)
     3. Add NIS
     4. Add atrazine (make sure atrazine is fully dispersed before adding other products)
     5. Add Halex GT
     6. Add remaining amount of clean water

There are some good tank mix apps available. Mix-Tank by Precision Laboratories is a good one. The updated version is for an Apple 15.0 but older versions will load on to older Apple iPhones.

Contact Eddie McGriff for more information.

Spring is just around the corner. It’s time for spring cleaning, landscaping and maybe hitting the gym. This is also a great time for pond owners to prepare their ponds for warmer weather.

Spring is a crucial time for pond preparation, whether it be weed removal, improving water composition or stocking. If pond owners don’t get ahead of these things during spring, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

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For those that like to find the best deals and are always looking to save money, the Best Buys webinar series is a great opportunity. These webinars will help people discover the items that will offer great discounts during each month.

1st Monday of every Month 11:30 am-12:00 Noon

To Register: www.aces.edu/go/BestBuys2022

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The Money Talks Live webinar series will cover a variety of topics. These 30-minute sessions will provide participants with a wealth of knowledge to help them with their finances.

February 15-Debt Management

March 15-Credit Scores

To Register: www.aces.edu/go/MoneyTalksLive

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When planning a picnic, think about things that won’t be too much hassle. Select recipes that are easy to prepare and travel well from home to outside. For those that have young ones in the house, get them involved in preparing for the picnic by letting them plan part of the menu. Involving children in preparing meals is a great way to encourage them to try different foods.

Let them choose what fruits they enjoy or which perfect picnic spot they would like to go to. The picnic could be at a park with a playground or trees, but it could also be in the backyard under a tree.

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